Audi Melges 20 Class Celebrates ISAF International Class Status

2013 marks the beginning of a new era in Audi Melges 20 racing worldwide. As of January 1st, the International Audi Melges 20 Class Association (IM20CA) is officially a recognized ISAF International Class. This is an impressive milestone in its short but storied history, an accolade which enables the Audi Melges 20 Class to conduct its very first World Championship, set to take place in Fall/Winter 2013 in South Florida, where in upwards to 60+ boats are expected to attend.

"Being granted ISAF Class status is recognition that we are especially proud of,” says International Class Chairman Manfredi Vianini Tolomei. “The racing within this fleet is of the highest quality. With this status, we now have the ability to conduct our very first World Championship in 2013 and I can assure you, the Audi Melges 20 will continue to raise the bar and set the standard for amateur/owner performance yacht racing around the globe."

Sponsored internationally by Audi, the Melges 20 boasts haute couture styling in one design performance racing at an affordable price.

"The Audi Melges 20 is the real thing, most especially when it comes to quality craftsmanship and lifestyle racing." commented Harry Melges, CEO of Melges worldwide. "Every boat manufactured by Melges USA and distributed throughout Europe and Australasia is built with the best materials. Designed by Reichel Pugh, the Audi Melges 20 derives from the same impressive bloodline as the extremely successful Melges 24 and Melges 32, both esteemed benchmarks in the world of performance sportboat racing."

Fully supported on- and off-the-water by Melges USA, Melges Europe and Melges Asia Pacific, the North American and European racing circuits are second to none, and many of the venues are the most notable and prestigious in the sailing world. The Audi Sailing Series reigns supreme in Europe offering great breeze, fierce competition and world-class shore-side activities. In Canada and across the United States, fast-growing regional fleets are taking root from Miami to Charleston, from San Francisco to Toronto producing regular fleets of 40+.

Trailer it, ship it, launch it, race it — the philosophy behind the Audi Melges 20 has never been more intact than it is right now. Typically sailed with a crew of three, it regularly attracts and fosters the best of all worlds. From lifelong amateur/owner sailors to just beginners paired perfectly with the sport of sailings brightest superstars, from young and old, to girls and boys, to family and great friends — the Audi Melges 20 is for everyone making it the most viable option in one design racing today.